After a long day behind my desk I went for a walk to a little wetland area north of Dubuque along the Mississippi. I haven't been there this year because of the brutal impact that some construction work had last year in this area. It made me just sad and mad to see how a wildlife habitat can be legally treated so bad. Today I just wanted to find out what the situation is there. The good news is that some of the vegetation had recovered and at least some of the wildlife had returned. I saw quite a few birds, frogs, toads, and two young snapping turtles.
- Nikon D200, Nikkor 24-120 mm f/4G ED VR
I had packed light and carried just the camera with the 24-120 mounted. Not ideal for this picture of the tiny Snapping Turtle. I wished I had the Sigma 150/f2.8 and a flashlight with me. The background of this picture really sucks but I will not move an animal in order to get a better image. It is what it is in my wildlife photography. I shot a picture of a young snapping turtle almost at the same place several years ago. That was even worse and that's why the new one will replace the first shot in my Iowa Wildlife Gallery. It's ok for now, I will be back sometime.
- Nikon D200, Nikkor 24-120 mm f/4G ED VR
On the way back to the car I saw that the low sun created some wonderful light on these sunflowers. I couldn't resist to make the click.
- Nikon D200, Nikkor 24-120 mm f/4G ED VR
No, I will not become a "pet shooter"! But I want to give some kudos to Cooper, our little dog that made himself home on our porch last year, and who lives with us since. He was patiently sitting and waiting while I was taking pictures today. He likes the sun and the wonderful warm light was as good for him as it was for the flowers… Good boy Cooper!